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New here w/ ? (sorry, long)

Sun, 03/25/2007 - 21:10
Hi Y'all, I'm new on the forum and have a question or two, if y'all don't mind. I've been reading through the posts here and know no one can provide diagnostic advice via a forum. However, I really detest taking medication, particularly if I'm not certain I should be, so I thought I'd ask about my situation. About six months ago, without injury or accident, I started having some difficulties, such as left facial numbness, muscle twitching in my left thigh and calf, shaking when my arms are outstretched, difficulty concentrating and daily headaches. I also had some vision blurring, but not bad or frequent. My blood work came back normal as did an MRI for my spinal cord (I had some joint pain as well). However, when my EEG test returned, it was abnormal. The wording on my summary is as follows: "This eeg has normal background for age (I'm 33), 10-11 hertz, with slightly depressed voltage, possibly normal variant. As the EEG proceeds bilaterally seen are sharp slow waves in mostly the right frontal and occasionally left temporal region, suggestive of epileptiform discharges and raising the possibility of underlying seizure focus. Photic stimulation and hyperventialtion were performed with good effort. Please consider clinical correlation and neural imaging." The neurologist went over this with me (I can't remember much of the conversation, I'm afraid, as memory retention has always been my failing). She put me on Lamictal (25mg to 50mg to 100mg over 5 weeks), mentioned something about having to talk with the DMV and scheduled an MRI for me next week to rule out tumor or lesions. I still am having trouble with daily headaches, concentration, and facial numbness, but haven't had much trouble with my muscles in the last month. I'm just reluctant to start an anti-seizure medication when I'm not sure of a diagnosis and neither is the neurologist, I don't think. I guess I'm wondering if one abnormal EEG means I should start the medication. If it is a means of preventive medication, I could buy that. I'm not pleased about the possible suspension of my driver's license, but understand the reasoning behind it. I also wonder, if these are simple partials I've been experiencing, is it possible or likely they may progress to complex partials if I neglect the medication. Thoughts and suggestions on the EEG results, or in general on the above, are greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance. Beccca

Comments

Re: New here w/ ? (sorry, long)

Submitted by alias3rn on Sun, 2007-04-01 - 00:57
Hi Becca, Normally when an EEG is abnormal, it will be even if you repeat it. The MRI and blood work can be normal, but there still may be electrical disturbances, i.e. the abnormal EEG. That's why your dr. put you on Lamictal. If it's working for the muscles, great, but maybe it's not the cure all for your symptoms. I know some people take Topamax for migraines and seizures. Maybe it would be good to talk to your dr. after the MRI. Your question on simple partials progressing to complex partials: yes it is possible to happen. It can also be possible to generalize, which is when you have a grand mal seizure. If you don't want to take the medicine, then you need to know the risks. The DMV thing is so you don't hurt yourself, or others when having an attack. It stinks, but until things are under control, it's better safer than sorry. My opinion is to take the meds, and see how you feel. If you don't feel better, talk to your dr. A lot of people start having seizures for no apparent reason. They almost always need treatment, at least for a while. Jen

Re: Re: New here w/ ? (sorry, long)

Submitted by researchib on Sun, 2007-04-01 - 02:08
Hi Jen, Thanks for your response. I did start the medication. I had wicked headaches this last week, but they've seemed to subsided so I'm sticking with it. I guess I just find it odd because I wasn't aware I was having seizures. I thought the muscle twitches, headaches, hearing trouble and tremors were related to a workplace fall off a ladder three years. I didn't hit my head, but injured my neck and back, requiring lengthy PT. However, when my MRI of my neck and spine only showed minor arthritic progression without no indications of lasting injury from the fall, I started wondering if there were other causes for the symptoms. However, I still do take Xanaflex for the muscle injuries associated with the fall. Because the EEG showed a specific localized area of abnormal activity, I am concerned about a cause rather than having this be an idiopathic abnormality. But, no way to know until I get the MRI results next week. As for the DMV issues, I do agree its for my safety and others. I just have a hard time believing I've been having seizures, even though I'm aware they do not all involved physical convulsing. However, I will certainly be compliant with whatever the Doctor recommends. Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Thanks! Becca

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